Researchers Uncover "Workslop": AI-Generated Content That Masks Inefficiency

Beware Coworkers Who Produce AI-Generated "Workslop" Researchers at consulting firm BetterUp Labs have coined a new term to describe low-quality, AI-generated work: workslop. According to an article published this week in the Harvard Business Review, workslop is AI-generated content that masquerades as good work but lacks substance to meaningfully advance a given task. The researchers suggest that workslop could be one explanation for the 95% of organizations that have tried AI but report seeing zero return on investment. "Workslop can be unhelpful, incomplete, or missing crucial context," said Dr. Rachel Kim, lead researcher at BetterUp Labs. "This creates more work for everyone else downstream, requiring them to interpret, correct, or redo the work." A recent survey of 1,150 full-time U.S.-based employees found that 40% of respondents had received workslop in the past month. The researchers warn that workplace leaders must model thoughtful AI use and set clear guardrails for their teams around norms and acceptable use. Background and Context The concept of workslop highlights the limitations of relying on AI-generated content without proper oversight. As AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent, companies are struggling to reap benefits from its implementation. The BetterUp Labs researchers suggest that this may be due in part to the proliferation of low-quality AI-generated work. "We're seeing a lot of organizations investing heavily in AI, but not getting the returns they expect," said Dr. Kim. "Workslop is a symptom of this problem – it's a sign that something is going wrong with how we're using AI." Implications for Society The rise of workslop has significant implications for the way we work and interact with technology. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it's essential to establish clear guidelines and norms around its use. "This isn't just about productivity or efficiency," said Dr. Kim. "It's about trust and accountability in the workplace. When people feel like they're being asked to do low-quality work, it erodes their confidence and motivation." Current Status and Next Developments The BetterUp Labs researchers are continuing to study the impact of workslop on organizations and employees. They recommend that companies prioritize thoughtful AI use and establish clear guardrails for their teams. "We need to be more intentional about how we're using AI," said Dr. Kim. "We need to set clear expectations around what's acceptable and what's not, and hold ourselves accountable for the quality of work we produce." As AI technology continues to evolve, it's essential that we address the challenges posed by workslop head-on. By prioritizing thoughtful AI use and establishing clear norms, we can ensure that this powerful tool is used to its full potential – and avoid the pitfalls of low-quality, AI-generated content. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*